Halite on Sylvite
PCA Mine, Carlsbad Potash Mining District,
Eddy County, New Mexico, USA
15.25 cm wide x 12.7 cm tall
A vivid, transparent-to-translucent cobalt-blue halite cube rises prominently from a massive white sylvite host. The crystal displays the characteristic cubic habit of halite, with sharp edges, smooth faces, and a rich saturated blue coloration with hints of purple that intensifies toward the center of the crystal. The blue crystal is partially embedded in the matrix, creating a dramatic color contrast against the snowy-white, blocky matrix. A classic and highly desirable New Mexico evaporite specimen displaying the uncommon blue coloration for which the locality is renowned.
The specimen has excellent balance and display quality, with the blue crystal standing upright like a geometric sculpture emerging from the white matrix. The intense blue color is particularly noteworthy, as blue halite is relatively uncommon and highly sought after by collectors. In New Mexico specimens, this coloration is often attributed to natural radiation-induced color centers within the crystal lattice.
This specimen was mined in 2013 and is considered among the finest ever discovered.